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A beautiful 2-day loop past Snowmass and Willow Lakes.


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Map Key

22.3

Miles

35.9

KM

78%

Runnable

12,669' 3,862 m

High

8,396' 2,559 m

Low

5,436' 1,657 m

Up

5,456' 1,663 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

This route combines the Maroon Snowmass Trail part of the Buckskin Pass Trail and East Snowmass to Willow Pass Trail to form a 22 mile loop that takes you past two alpine lakes and through lots of meadows and forest.

Description

Starting on the Maroon Snowmass Trail south up the valley along the creek until it meets with the Buckskin Pass Trail near Snowmass Lake and hang a left - it starts out gently sloping up until you reach the pass where the trail gets steep for the first time. Once past the first set of switchbacks, take another left toward Willow Lake; there is not much rest before the second ascent begins up to Willow Pass.

After Willow Pass, you can add an extra half mile down to Willow Lake or just stay left heading north up the the last steep ridge crossing.

Once over the ridge, stay on the East Snowmass Trail through beautiful meadows and forest until you reach the Snowmass Creek Road. The Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is just up the road so you'll be nearing your destination.

Flora & Fauna

Please be bear aware. Among other mountain mammals, bears frequent the area. If you're spending the night, be sure to bring bear cans, or another bear-proof food storage system.

Contacts

Shared By:

Evan Tabor

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 10 votes

#544

Overall
  5.0 from 10 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#116

in Colorado

#544

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21,112 Since Jun 22, 2016
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Photos

Camping off buckskin and enjoying the view.
Nov 9, 2019 near Snowmas…, CO
Back into the trees headed down the west side of Buckskin Pass. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Ascending Buckskin Pass on the 4 Pass Loop in Maroon Bells Wilderness.
Aug 8, 2020 near Snowmas…, CO
View into Snowmass Lake
Jul 21, 2021 near Snowmas…, CO
Snowmass Lake sunrise.
Sep 5, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO
Above Snowmass Lake
Aug 29, 2014 near Snowmas…, CO

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